Social Service Navigator - Part Time

Axess Family Services, Inc.•Akron, OH

9d•Onsite

About The Position

SUMMARY: The Social Service Navigator is a part-time member of Axess Family Services embedded within the Summa Health Emergency Room. This role provides direct, in-the-moment support to patients presenting with behavioral health needs, social barriers, medical follow-up challenges, or dental-related concerns. The Navigator ensures patients receive coordinated care, resource linkage, and appropriate follow-up support that enhances their overall health outcomes. SUPERVISOR: Director of Community Impact or Designee DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Patient Engagement & Support Conduct bedside engagement with ER patients identified as needing social, behavioral, medical, or dental navigation. Use trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approaches during interactions. Identify social determinants of health affecting patient outcomes. Behavioral Health Integration Link patients to crisis services, outpatient therapy, psychiatric care, and substance-use treatment options. Coordinate with Axess Family behavioral health providers for follow-up and continuity of care. Medical Integration Assist patients with primary care follow-up, specialist scheduling, medication access, and post-discharge planning. Collaborate closely with ER nursing, physicians, and case management. Dental Integration Identify urgent dental needs and coordinate referrals to community dental resources. Provide information on preventive care and access pathways for uninsured/underinsured patients. Care Coordination & Documentation Assess eligibility for community programs (housing, food, benefits, transportation, etc.). Facilitate warm handoffs to community agencies whenever possible. Maintain timely, accurate documentation in designated systems. Collaboration Participate in interdisciplinary communication with ER staff and Axess Family Services. Maintain strong communication with supervisors regarding case trends and workflow needs. The Duties and Responsibilities above represent the most significant duties of this position, but do not exclude other assignments that would be within the qualification and responsibility levels of this position.

Requirements

Associate Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, Public Health or related field.
Experience working with diverse clients experiencing behavioral health, substance use, or medical/social barriers.
Ability to adapt, strong communication skills, and calm decision making.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and crisis intervention skills.
Ability to work independently in a fast paced clinical environment with high patient turnover.
Ability to move between patient rooms and clinical areas
Availability for variable day and night shifts.
Unrestricted State of Ohio driver’s license
This position requires compliance with AFS’ written standards, including its Compliance Program and Standards of Conduct and policies and procedures. Such compliance will be an element considered as part of the regular performance evaluation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, human services, or related behavioral health field.
Prior experience in emergency department settings, care coordination, or behavioral health support.
Familiarity with community resources, Medicaid/insurance navigation, and trauma informed practices

Responsibilities

Conduct bedside engagement with ER patients identified as needing social, behavioral, medical, or dental navigation.
Use trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approaches during interactions.
Identify social determinants of health affecting patient outcomes.
Link patients to crisis services, outpatient therapy, psychiatric care, and substance-use treatment options.
Coordinate with Axess Family behavioral health providers for follow-up and continuity of care.
Assist patients with primary care follow-up, specialist scheduling, medication access, and post-discharge planning.
Collaborate closely with ER nursing, physicians, and case management.
Identify urgent dental needs and coordinate referrals to community dental resources.
Provide information on preventive care and access pathways for uninsured/underinsured patients.
Assess eligibility for community programs (housing, food, benefits, transportation, etc.).
Facilitate warm handoffs to community agencies whenever possible.
Maintain timely, accurate documentation in designated systems.
Participate in interdisciplinary communication with ER staff and Axess Family Services.
Maintain strong communication with supervisors regarding case trends and workflow needs.